# PROFILE ALEX TURNER
TURNER COMPOSES ELITE GUITAR POP EVEN WHILST BARELY TOUCHING THE INSTRUMENT
Not only the lead vocalist and chief songwriter for one of the most successful British groups of the century so far, Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner also takes care of the band’s lead guitar duties. For those unfamiliar with the world-conquering Sheffield four-piece, Turner’s playing is far more versatile and impressive than one might expect. Not content with settling into any one style for too long, Turner’s playing has evolved from scrappy, Buzzcocks–style powerchords and post-punky monotone riffs ( Whatever People Say I Am..., Favourite Worst Nightmare) to desert rock fuzz and spooky broken chords ( Humbug), to psychedelic open chords and 70s glam rock soloing ( Suck It And See, AM), with detours into acoustic folk strumming and hip-hop inspired rhythms along the way.
Turner, who has eight UK Number 1 albums to his name (twice as many as Ed Sheeran), has ventured beyond the Sheffield lads’ already varied discography with his allacoustic film score for Richard Ayoade’s Submarine, and has explored the influence of Scott Walker and 60s RNB and soul with fellow songwriter Miles Kane as The Last Shadow Puppets. Arctic Monkey’s last album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, saw Turner move almost entirely from guitar to piano, save for the odd fuzz riff or smooth solo, but this change of pace does little to weaken his claim as a true icon of 21st century guitar. Turner’s effortless songwriting sees him able to still compose elite tier guitar pop whilst barely touching the instrument.
On top of this, the two-time Glastonbury headliner’s ever-growing axe collection is something to admire. Turner’s humble beginnings with his white Fender Stratocaster saw him progress to an all-too-brief stint with a rare Fender Bronco, before exploring a rich plethora of enviable gear including the solidbody electric Ovation Viper, a ’65 Fender Jazzmaster, a Les Paul Custom, a Vox Starstream 12-string and a Gretsch Spectra Sonic baritone and a Gretsch G6122-12 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman to name but a few.